The Vikings had the bye for round 1 of the NRC in 2015 but are back this weekend against the NSW Country Eagles in Sydney.
Last Season
2014 was a fairly disappointing season considering the roster on hand for the Vikings where they finished in sixth spot on the ladder with two wins, two draws and four losses.
Coaching
2015 sees a new coach taking the reins with Brad Harris from Tuggeranong taking over head coach responsibilities from Dan McKellar who has dropped back to a Director of Rugby role to be able to run the eye over the Brumbies off-season program whilst Stephen Larkham is away on RWC duty.
Also helping out are Dan Palmer who will look after the forwards whilst Craig Robberds will look after the backs.
The Squad
The squad boasts members from the Brumbies who won’t be playing with the Wallabies plus a mix of local club players boosted by the signing of some old and new talent and will be led by Jarrad Butler and should be pushing for the top four.
Wallabies Henry Speight and Joe Tomane have been named but have been called up to the RWC squad so won’t feature. Christian Lealiifano is away with the Barbarians this week but should be available following that game.
Ben Alexander missed out on the RWC squad but his experience will be valuable to go with some up and comers in the team. Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin’s performance in the 2014 edition of the NRC was enough to gain a full time contract with the Brumbies but was unable to get much match time due to injury but is more than capable at this level.
Rory Arnold had a big season with the Brumbies in 2015 that saw him make the initial Wallabies squad and it won’t be hard to miss his 208cm frame around the field and the matchup with Queensland Country could see him face his twin brother Richie.
The forward pack on paper looks very solid with the inclusions of newly signed Brumby Albert Anae, former Brisbane City prop Phil Kite, Blake Enever from Queensland Country who had a good season for the Brumbies and Robbie Abel who returns to Canberra from Perth.
Former Brumby Frankie Fainifo is back from France to add some experience to the backline that has some good finishers with the likes of Lausii Taliauli and new recruit Aidan Toua looking to show their speed out wide.
James Dargaville is another who gained a Super Rugby contract on the back of 2014 form and his time with the Brumbies in 2015 will only benefit him.
Forwards: Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, Ben Alexander, Tyrell Lomax, Albert Anae, Robbie Abel, Connal McInerney, Allan Alaalatoa, Phil Kite, Sione Talua, Rory Arnold, Blake Enever, Gareth Clouston, Dave McKern, Jordan Smiler, Dean Oakman-Hunt, Michael Oakman-Hunt, Rowan Perry, Dan Penca, Tui Kamikamica, Ita Vaea, Jarrad Butler (c).
Backs: Joe Powell, Brent Hamlin, Mitch Third, Christian Lealiifano, Rod Iona, Jerome Nuimata, Lausii Taliauli, Jake Rakic, James Dargaville, Frankie Fainifo, Nigel Ah Wong, Henry Speight, Jake Knight, Ratu Tagive, Joe Tomane, Isaac Thompson, Aidan Toua.
The Draw
After a bye in round one, the Vikings face the Eagles away before their first home game against the Rams in round 3. The remaining away games in 2015 are against Perth, North Harbour and Queensland Country with the Vikings hosting the Sydney Stars, Melbourne and Brisbane.
